Reps Comm’tt passes confidence vote on NNPCL EVP, Dagazau over reforms in downstream sector

The House of Representatives have handed sturdy vote of confidence on the manager vice chairman of NNPCL, Dr. Mumuni Dagazau over the steadiness and reforms which have been recorded within the downstream sector.

The lawmakers additionally cleared the EVP Dangazau, of allegations of cash laundering following an investigation by an advert hoc subcommittee constituted to look at petitions submitted by the Coalition for Transparency and Accountability in Nigeria’s Petroleum Sector (CTANPS).

The committee’s findings, following its examination of the petitions and the problems raised therein, knowledgeable the choice to dismiss the allegations towards the NNPCL govt, bringing additional readability to considerations surrounding his conduct and tasks within the petroleum sector.

Chairman of the House Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), Hon. Ikenga Ugochinyere, recommended the investigative course of, stressing the significance of evidence-based legislative oversight in selling accountability, transparency and public confidence within the oil and fuel business.

Ugochinyere famous that the downstream petroleum sector stays crucial to Nigeria’s financial stability, given its direct influence on gasoline availability, distribution, transportation prices and the each day livelihoods of thousands and thousands of Nigerians.

He emphasised that legislative oversight should stay neutral and guided by verifiable info, making certain that respectable petitions obtain thorough consideration whereas defending people from unsubstantiated allegations.

The lawmaker additionally acknowledged ongoing initiatives by the NNPCL to strengthen downstream operations, diversify vitality provide choices and modernise petroleum product distribution infrastructure.

Among these initiatives is the corporate’s renewed strategy to refinery rehabilitation via a technical fairness partnership mannequin designed to enhance operational effectivity and industrial sustainability. Although the Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries had but to renew manufacturing as of July 2026, the revised rehabilitation technique represents an effort to deal with longstanding operational challenges.

The NNPCL has additionally continued to assist the adoption of compressed pure fuel (CNG) as a substitute for standard petrol and diesel. In July 2025, the corporate handed over 35 CNG-powered hybrid buses to the Presidential Initiative on CNG, reinforcing efforts to increase entry to alternative-fuel transportation.

Further demonstrating its dedication to vitality diversification and distribution effectivity, the corporate reported the acquisition of 500 CNG-powered vans in its 2025 audited efficiency announcement. The funding displays an effort to increase gas-powered logistics and create alternatives to enhance the effectivity of petroleum product transportation.

In the retail section, NNPC Retail commissioned its first good self-service station on Bill Clinton Drive, Abuja, in September 2026. Operating across the clock, the ability integrates standard gasoline shelling out with liquefied petroleum fuel (LPG), electric-vehicle charging, lubricant providers and different buyer facilities.

These developments, Ugochinyere famous, underscore the significance of sustained funding, institutional accountability and coverage consistency in strengthening the downstream sector.

He harassed, nevertheless, that progress should finally be measured by tangible enhancements in product availability, operational effectivity, affordability and repair supply to Nigerians.

The committee chairman reaffirmed the House of Representatives’ dedication to rigorous oversight of the petroleum business, noting that such scrutiny stays important to safeguarding public assets, strengthening establishments and making certain that operators within the sector discharge their tasks within the nationwide curiosity.

He urged stakeholders to assist constructive reforms whereas permitting related establishments to hold out their mandates with out undue interference, emphasising that transparency, accountability and respect for due course of are indispensable to restoring public confidence within the petroleum business.